Document ymYK1L2L4nar61kEEL8rp2DZX

Air Mail August 2, I960 Mr. T.R.A.Bevan The Associated Ethyl Company, Limited 20 Berkeley Square London Wl, England Dear Ray: Please accept my thanks for your letters of July 25 and 28, for your kind words, and for the information on the several matters under way. Since there are certain bits of information at this end of the line, and certain things that seem to need further attention at your end, I bring them to your attention. Unfortunately I did not have an opportunity to talk to Beery Noble, but I have talked with Dr. Barry today and have brought him up to date on what I have learned. Before dealing with other matters. I'd like to thank Beery through you for returning my purse to me, complete with its original contents, which I shall be able to use in October. I was pleased by this, not so much because of the value of either the purse or its contents, but rather because it restored a certain orderliness into my life and affairs. It was disconcerting to entertain a serious doubt as to the honesty of the staff of a Dutch hotel. One likes to feel that some of the supposed facts of life remain true. I was sorry not to see Beery, but the Congress in New York made heavy demands on me and my time, and/was able to do only a few of the many things I had intended to do while in New York. Now for the facts, so far as I know them, on the several matters that I agreed to look into. 1. With respect to Socony-Mobile in Venezuela, I first talked to Dr. George Saunders, Medical Director, who knew nothing beyond the time, weeks ago, when he had counselled the persons concerned that they should proceed with caution, and make sure that the way had been paved properly by proper consultations with the health authorities wherever they chose to introduce TML. He knew nothing of what had been done in Venezuela, but promised to look into the matter and let me know. On the next day he told me that official consent had been obtained for the use of TML in Venezuela, but beyond this he had little information. While at the Congress, however, I was approached by the head of the Industrial Hygiene Division of the Section of Sanitary Engineering of the Health Department of Venezuela, who wanted more information. This, Mr. T. R. A. Bevan - (2) - August 2, I960 I promised to send him, and I shall do this promptly, and open up the way for further communication as required. To abbreviate matters, however, he told me that he had signed the letter or paper granting permission for the use of TML in Venezuela. This had been done at the request of representatives of Socony, who sent to his office for the signed document on the afternoon of the day before the release of an extensive campaign of advertising in the newspapers (this appeared in the morning papers, and thus explained to this man - a Mr. Erich Schmidt - why the haste to get possession of the permit). Thus it is that a pro forma permission has been granted, while the amenities have been neglected in the interest of a high-pressure sales campaign. I am visiting our friends in du Pont in the near future (having talked to Jack Sabina who is setting the date for my visit) to discuss this and other matters with them. It may be wise to follow up this situation with a visit to the Miri3ter of Health, but I shall take no further action until I have heard the du Pont side of the story. Apparently your worst fears as to the irresponsibility of this group have been realized. It can be expected that the Creole group will move as rapidly as possible in Venezuela. I shall get in touch with them (through Esso medical repre sentatives) without delay. 2. With respect to Japan, you will remember, I suspect, that I had written to Nick Carter who was on his way to Japan, asldng him to look in to the manner of our dealing with the introduction of TML. I received his reply, indicating that there seemed no question but that the desirable approach was by way of Dr. Akatsuka. He enclosed a note from Akatsuka, outlining his proposed procedure. I enclose a copy of this proposal and a copy of my letter concerning it. This will acquaint you with the status of the matter at this point, and I'll keep you informed of further develop ments. I am visiting Jack Sabina in Wilmington on August 11 and will find out then what, if anything, they have done about Japan. 3. With respect to Austria, I am informed that the plans of Esso are getting under way and that they expect to distribute gasoline containing TML in Austria among other places. Where such gasoline will be pre pared for the market I do not know, but it seems desirable to clear the way for the distribution of the gasoline as soon as possible. 4. With respect to Switzerland and France, which, so far as I know, are the only European countries in which changes in law or regulations must be made, there have been questions concerning the timetable. I believe David Roffey was to pursue these matters to a conclusion, and it will be helpful to me to know what comes of his efforts. You will understand, I'm sure, that some of the American oil companies have been anxious altogether too anxious in my view - to get under way and are somewhat 0008282 Mr. T. R. A. Bevan - (3) - August Z, I960 impatient with obstacles of any kind. 1 have tried to be as helpful to them as the available information would permit. I believe I have dealt with the current situation from this end. I'll try to keep you fully informed. It appears that there will be a wide use of tetramethyl lead in the world's gaeoline, and that things will move rapidly in this direction, at least, on a small scale. How rapidly this will develop into a larger volume is entirely unknown to me. I suspect there will be quite a series of matters to review with you in October. With kind regards. Sincerely, Robert A. Kehoe, M.D. RAK ef Enc. 0008283